He started as a simple monk but ended as the first monk to become a Pope. He was born in 540 and became a Prefect of Rome before joining the monastic life. He was papal legate at Constantinople. Five years after returning to his monastery, he was elected Pope and greatly influenced the life of the Church. He brought discipline to the Church and encouraged popular devotions. He unified Church liturgy and compiled what is now known as the Gregorian chant. Our present day calendar is also attributed to him. He likewise initiated the evangelization of England and, in effect, began the medieval Papacy. After writing much on dogma and morals, he passed away in 604. His name was Gregory.
To be the servant of the servants of God, one does not need to be a Pope. The prescribed Gospel on the memorial of St. Gregory the Great reminds us that all Christians are servants of God and that each Christian should strive to serve every servant of God. Thus, each and every Christian should be a servant of the servants of God.
We have no one else to emulate but the Lord Himself. Jesus came to serve and not to be served. He who is Lord of all stooped down to serve His subjects. The Creator served His creatures. If He whom we call Lord and Master served His servants, should we not serve one another as well? Each of us is called to be servus servorum Dei. - Fr. Bobby T (Didache)
REFLECTION QUESTION: Do I wait to be given a special title before I serve?
Jesus, Servant of all, help me to become more and more like You. Grant me generosity andlove so as to serve You in my brothers and sisters. Bless me with the grace of humility and let my consolation be in the privilege of serving You in my brethren. Amen.
St. Balin, confessor and disciple of St. Colman, pray for us.
